Eazees International Festival for Women’s Theatre, one of Egypt’s most compelling cultural platforms spotlighting women’s voices in the performing arts, has officially opened the call for submissions from Egyptian theatre troupes. The upcoming third edition—dedicated to the legacy of the legendary actress Samiha Ayoub—is scheduled to run in Cairo from September 25 to October 2.
The festival, which is quickly gaining recognition for its bold curation and feminist focus, welcomes theatrical productions that either address women’s issues or feature significant female involvement in their creation. “Theatre is a medium of empowerment,” says Abir Ali, playwright, director, and artistic director of the festival. “We’re looking for stories that center women—not just on stage, but also in the writing, direction, and production process.”
Eligible performances must have a runtime between 30 and 90 minutes. The application deadline is August 25, and the list of selected productions will be announced on September 1.
In a significant move aimed at supporting grassroots theatre groups, this year marks the first time the festival will offer financial grants of 10,000 Egyptian pounds (approx. $210) to each participating Egyptian troupe. Whether from Cairo or other governorates, selected troupes will receive this support.
Festival President Abir Lotfy, a renowned actress and director, announced that the grants are made possible through a strategic partnership with the NGO Misr El Kheir Foundation, under a newly signed protocol with Dr. Hanan El Derbashi, head of the Foundation’s indebted women’s relief sector. “This collaboration allows us to merge cultural outreach with vital social work,” Lotfy stated. “It’s about more than performance—it’s about impact.”
The partnership also includes the screening of a short film addressing the plight of indebted Egyptian women, followed by a panel discussion aimed at raising awareness and catalyzing public discourse around the issue.
Organized by Garret El Qamar Foundation, the festival is managed by a diverse and dynamic team: Abir Lotfy as president; Abir Ali and Rasha Abdel Moneim, a writer and critic, serving as artistic directors; and executive directors Mostafa Mohamed and Mona Suleiman. The event is held under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, underscoring official recognition of the festival’s cultural and societal significance.
Now entering its third iteration, the Eazees Festival continues to serve as a vital space for theatrical innovation, feminist dialogue, and cultural activism—bridging artistry with advocacy in a country where both remain in constant negotiation.
